Issuu

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

GRANTSPASSTRIBUNE.COM | $0.00

Public Hearing Opens Window on Oregon Motor Voter Rule Changes By John Oliver The Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division held a formal public hearing yesterday to gather community feedback on proposed administrative rules for the Oregon Motor Voter program. The session marks the latest step in an extended statewide effort to update and refine Oregon’s automatic voter registration system. The Oregon Motor Voter program, commonly referred to as OMV, operates through the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division, better known as the DMV. When eligible residents interact with DMV services, such as applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state identification card, the system can automatically transmit information to election officials to begin the voter registration process. State officials say the proposed rules under consideration are designed to ensure that the OMV program remains accurate, secure, and carefully administered. Secretary of State Tobias Read emphasized that theme directly in his announcement of the hearing. “Accuracy, security, and rigor are the foundation of a trustworthy voter registration system,” Read said. “Shaped by key input from our advisory committee, these safeguards strengthen that foundation and raise the bar for Oregon Motor Voter.

Now, we’re asking Oregonians to weigh in on the proposed rules, so we can work together to build a system that serves every voter fairly and reliably.” The hearing begins at 11:30 a.m. and is being conducted entirely online. All members of the public are welcome to participate and offer testimony. Elections Division staff will be present during the event for the sole purpose of recording and preserving those public comments. The Secretary of State’s office noted several important conditions for the ses-

sion. Questions regarding the proposed rules will not be answered or discussed during the hearing itself. The proceeding is structured only as an opportunity for the public to speak and for officials to listen. Anyone who does have detailed questions about the administrative rules is encouraged to submit them by email to RAC_OMV.SOS@sos.oregon.gov for written public testimony and for ongoing communication outside the live hearing. Written feedback on the proposed rules will continue to be accepted through

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Community members who are unable to attend the online session today can still make their voices heard by sending formal remarks in writing to the same address. The rulemaking process for the OMV program began months ago after an independent audit raised concerns and suggested improvements. In September, the Secretary of State’s office convened a Rules Advisory Committee to undertake a full review of the existing OMV administrative rules. That committee, frequently described by state leaders as the RAC, included a wide range of specialists. Members were drawn from county election offices, DMV program administrators, immigration and civil-rights experts, and long-time elections professionals. The objective was to examine how the automatic registration system functions in practice and determine where additional protections or clarifications might be needed. One of the primary reasons for forming the RAC was to address the findings and recommendations contained in a review conducted by the accounting and consulting firm Baker Tilly. The Baker Tilly audit analyzed Oregon’s current Motor Voter framework and outlined steps to im-

•

see MOTOR, page 5

Grants Pass Advances Shelter Plan From Debate to Development By John Oliver Grants Pass city leaders are continuing work on a newly funded effort to address homelessness as the Parker’s Place community shelter project advances following recent City Council actions. The initiative, approved by majority vote earlier this winter, is now entering the implementation stage with the formation of an oversight panel and the appointment of council representatives. Seven weeks ago the City Council voted to award the Grants Pass Addressing Homelessness Grant to Elk Island Trading Company. That decision concluded a competitive process that included multiple applicants seeking municipal support for shelter services. With the vote completed, Elk Island Trading Company became responsible for carrying the project forward under the terms outlined in the city contract. At a workshop meeting held last week, members of the Council reviewed the next procedural steps necessary to keep the project on schedule. The session focused on establishing communication channels between the city and the shelter organizers, confirming timelines for required improvements to the facility, and ensuring that administrative benchmarks are tracked as work progresses. During the meeting, Councilor Rob Pell addressed questions about the grant award and

opment. Responsibilities assigned to the panel include reviewing progress reports submitted by Elk Island Trading Company, confirming that contract commitments are being met, examining budgets associated with the renovation work, and providing updates to the City Council as milestones approach. The panel is also expected to coordinate with city staff to process permits and inspections required before operations can begin. Benham and Krohn will represent the Council in meetings with the shelter organizers and with municipal administrators. The representatives will participate in scheduled reviews of the facility upgrades, including safety improvements, accessibility modifications, and service capacity planning. The Council noted that panel meetings will be subject to standard public meeting requirements. the future of the shelter. He stated that the project is now moving forward regardless of which organization received the funding. Pell emphasized that the implementation phase requires attention to logistical details, including construction planning, contractor coordination, and compliance with local regulations. He also confirmed that Elk Island Trading Company has indicated its intention to proceed with renovations needed to open the shelter.

The Council discussed how oversight of the project will be structured. As part of that discussion, the governing body voted to designate Councilors Seth Benham and Kathleen Krohn to serve as the City Council representatives on the Parker’s Place project panel. Those appointments were approved by the full Council and took effect immediately. The project panel will operate as the primary mechanism for monitoring the shelter’s devel-

•

see SHELTER, page 5